Research Institutes, Centres and Units - Universiti Sains Malaysia

Centre for Drug Research
The Centre for Drug Research (CDR) was established in 1985 to undertake research
in socio-medical, clinical pharmacological and health areas which require resources and
facilities that cross academic and professional boundaries. Research focus is on major
health issues – drug dependence and tropical health particularly indigenous diseases.
Both basic and applied studies are conducted to attain proper understanding of, and
the eventual resolution of these health problems. In fulfilling national needs, CDR
undertakes research to generate new knowledge on non-medical and illicit use of
drugs and to ensure effective dissemination and use of the research results to reduce
drug abuse, improve addiction prevention, treatment and policy.
The Centre collaborates with various agencies of the Federal and State Governments in
its efforts under the Youth Outreach Programme, to organise talks on the dangers and
adverse health effects of abusing drugs, promote tobacco-free and drug-free lifestyles,
as well as prevention approaches for the drug abuse problem.
CDR also collaborates with international agencies such as WHO, DNDi and ILO to
execute research and training projects on behalf of these agencies.
Among the awards and recognition attained by the Centre are:
• WHO recognised analytical laboratory
• Recognition as the “Bioequivalence Study Centre” by the National Pharmaceutical
Control Bureau, Ministry of Health, Malaysia
• Bionexus Partners Programme for Biomedical Analysis
• DNDi (Drugs for Neglected Diseases Initiative) Regional Office for Asia
• Recognition by USM in 2002 under the World Class Research Programmes
• Audited for MOHE COE (Ministry of Higher Education Centre of Excellence)
in October 2008
Some of the major research projects conducted by CDR include:
• Analytical and extraction studies of drugs for tropical diseases
• Clinical pharmacokinetic and pharmacological studies of drugs
• Quality assurance and bioequivalence of pharmaceuticals especially antimalarial drugs
• Fixed-Dose Artesunate/Mefloquine and Artesunate/Amodiaquine Combination
Therapy
• Pharmacotherapy studies on medications as adjunct treatment in drug rehabilitation
programs